December 26

My son and I had a good time shopping at Whole Foods yesterday. It was a lot busier than we thought it would be, also festive and upbeat. Seems like everyone came out to shop on Christmas.

Today I've hung some clothes out on the line. The sunlight shone so crystalline, sharp, and pure. A dazzling winter day in Los Angeles. The air, cold and crisp, hard as a diamond. The backyard plants, shocked into existence. This beauty is hurled at you, and you have to breathe deep to take it in.

Christmas morning

Getting off to a slow start this cold Christmas day. It was nice to sleep in. We're planning on doing a little housecleaning, a little shopping (Whole Foods is open today) and a little more relaxing. Hope you'll have a good day too.

Christmas Eve Walk

I finally made it out of the house today and just came back from a glorious 25 minute walk around the neighborhood. There was just a little sunlight left, and the weather was still cold, although not as oppressive as it has been.

I was very happy to be walking, enjoying the Shabbat, and also feeling that the peaceful spirit was heightened by Christmas arriving tomorrow. Although I am not a Christian, I still feel inspired by the thought of someone as important as Jesus being born, even though the Jewish tradition does not regard him as the Messiah.

Kabbalat Hanukkah Shabbat

We went to Temple Akiba, our synagogue, for the Kabbalat Hanukkah Shabbat last night. It was packed with people of all ages. The music was wonderful---we all sang together various Hanukkah songs, and of course songs for Shabbat. Afterwards, there was a sumptous feast of latkes (potato pancakes) with all the trimmings, as well as other delicious fare.